Southport reconsiders noise ordinance after complaints

Southport officials are reconsidering a noise ordinance that some residents said gives them a headache.

"Whether I sit on my porch or go inside, I'm still going to hear it," said nearby resident Buck Smith.

In the current ordinance, it's unlawful for any person or establishment to play amplified music after 10 p.m. on weeknights when the sound is clearly audible from 500 feet away.

However, many homeowners, like Buck, live well within 500 feet of the town's waterfront area. Buck said he can hear the live music booming from the town's waterfront three and four nights out of the week.

"When I'm trying to go to bed, I'm not accustomed to going to sleep with noise like that," said Smith. "It's disturbing."

Southport Police Chief Jerry Dove said city officials will discuss a compromise to the current ordinance that he hopes will satisfy the residents and the restaurant owners.

The noise ordinance is on the agenda for the next Board of Aldersmen meeting on July 28.